CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On average, around 11 people drown every day in the U.S., and for underserved communities, whose residents may not have access to swimming lessons, the risks are even higher.

That is why the YWCA of Charlotte incorporates swimming lessons into its free summer programming.

Swim instructor Linda Talmadge grew up loving any body of water, shedding any fears of water from a very early age.

But as she’s gotten older, she’s realized just how fortunate she was to receive swimming lessons as a child.

“Swimming is such a wonderful exercise, social event,” Talmadge said. “And so everybody needs to learn how to swim for safety reasons.”

But she knows her favorite activity also comes with some risks. Talmadge says whenever she hears of a child drowning in a river or a pool, it breaks her heart.

“It’s devastating,” she said. “Because it's something that is totally preventable.” 

That is why for the last few years, she’s worked with the YWCA during its summer program, teaching the basics of swimming for all ages.

“Statistically, I think drowning is one of the first causes of accidents for children under 4,” Talmadge said. “And it's also good for them.”

It gives them a life skill that will last forever.

“A lot of our kids, unfortunately, you know, students, kids in low income areas are susceptible to drowning,” said YWCA regional director of youth programs Clinton Reynolds. “And a lot of what we do is centered around empowerment, of course, in the classroom and of course, you know, in the pool. We want our kids to leave us just stronger than they came.”

Talmadge sees the progress as kids return year after year.

“So this gives us an opportunity, as I said, to develop the trust factor first and then be able to do the safety skills second,” she said.

She is helping the students gain confidence in the water, and in themselves, one stroke at a time.